Fitbit Alta Charger: How to Find the Perfect One for You

For those familiar with the technical details, selecting the right charging device for your new Fitbit Alta is paramount to achieving optimal performance. Don’t let a substandard or defective charger impede your fitness goals. Ensure that you choose a high-quality and reliable charger to keep your fitness tracker consistently powered up and ready for action. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to find the perfect charger for your Alta. From understanding the different types of Fitbit Alta chargers to learning how to spot a high-quality charger, we’ve got you covered.

An Introduction to the Fitbit Alta

Before we dive into chargers, let’s take a quick look at the Fitbit Alta itself. This popular fitness tracker was released in 2016 and fast became one of Fitbit’s most stylish and slim devices.

The Alta has a sleek, jewelry-like design with a tap display screen. It tracks your steps, distance, calories burned and sleep. You can also get call, text and calendar alerts when your phone is nearby.

One of the Alta’s standout features is its interchangeable bands. You can dress it up or down with leather, metal or acrylic bands. There’s truly a band for every occasion!

When it comes to battery life, the Alta can typically last up to 5 days on a single charge. Of course, battery runtime depends on your usage and settings. Expect to charge your Alta at least once a week.

And that brings us to chargers…

Getting to Know the Fitbit Alta Charger

The Fitbit Alta uses a proprietary charging cable to juice up its battery. This specialized charging cable connects magnetically to contacts on the back of the tracker.

Here are a few quick facts about the Alta charger:

• It has a rectangular charging cradle that attaches to the Alta.
• The charging cable uses a USB-A connector to plug into a power source.
• Fitbit Alta chargers have a charging indicator light that turns on when properly connected.
• A full charge takes about 1-2 hours.

Now let’s explore your options for purchasing an Alta charger.

Buying a Replacement Fitbit Alta Charger

If you need a new Alta charger, you have a couple options:

Buy from Fitbit

The easiest option is to purchase a replacement charging cable directly from Fitbit. This ensures you’re getting an authentic OEM (original equipment manufacturer) Fitbit charger.

Fitbit sells replacement Alta chargers on their website for $29.99. While pricier than third-party options, it comes directly from the source and includes a 1-year warranty.

Benefits of buying from Fitbit:

• Guaranteed compatibility
• Backed by 1-year warranty
• Quality construction and performance

Downsides of buying from Fitbit:

• More expensive than third-party options
• Limited color and design options
• Longer shipping times

Buy Third-Party

You can also purchase third-party Alta chargers from online retailers like Amazon. These aftermarket chargers are made by accessory manufacturers to be compatible with the Alta.

Third-party Alta chargers range from $5 to $15 – much less than Fitbit’s $30 cable. You’ll also find more color and design choices.

However, quality can vary greatly among brands. Read reviews carefully to find a reliable third-party charger. Look for ones with a year or more warranty.

Benefits of third-party chargers:

• Much cheaper than Fitbit chargers
• More color and design choices
• Often ships faster than Fitbit

Downsides of third-party chargers:

• Quality varies between brands
• Limited or no warranty
• Potential compatibility issues

No matter where you buy from, make sure to get the right charger for your Alta model. Check that the charger specifies it’s for the Alta and not the Alta HR or newer models.

Now let’s look at six things to evaluate when picking an Alta replacement charger.

6 Tips for Picking the Best Replacement Charger

With original and third-party options available, how do you choose the best charging cable for your Alta? Here are 6 key factors to consider:

1. Charging Cradle Design

Make sure the charging cradle properly fits the back of your Alta. It should have a rectangular magnetic cradle that aligns with the charging port. Avoid chargers with a circular cradle meant for other Fitbit models.

2. Charging Indicator Light

An indicator light is essential for knowing when your battery is charging. Look for a charger with a light that illuminates when snapped into your tracker. The best third-party chargers mimic the original Fitbit light.

3. Cord Length

Cord length determines how far away you can place your charger from an outlet or USB port. The original Fitbit Alta cord measures around 18 inches. Look for a replacement cable with a similar length.

4. Build Quality

Inspect the materials and connection points for durability. Look for sturdy construction and secure connector joints. This ensures the cable will stand the test of time and regular use.

5. Price

As outlined above, pricing can range from $5 to $30. In general, higher priced cables around $20+ will offer better construction. But you can find quality budget cables for under $10 if you read reviews carefully.

6. Warranty

Opt for a charger backed by a 6-month to 1-year warranty at minimum. This provides recourse if the cable fails prematurely. Fitbit offers a 1-year warranty, while third-parties vary.

Using these 6 tips will help you identify the top Alta charging cables. Next, let’s look at reasons to avoid knockoff Fitbit chargers.

Avoiding Knockoff Fitbit Alta Chargers

When shopping on sites like Amazon or eBay, you’ll inevitably come across super cheap Fitbit Alta chargers. Often priced from $2 to $10, these knockoff cables promise compatibility and fast charging.

However, these knockoff chargers often fail to work properly or stop working after a few weeks or months. Here’s what to watch out for:

• A price that seems too good to be true
• Generic branding and packaging
• Mixed or bad reviews mentioning quality issues
• Short or non-existent warranty period
• Unreliable seller with low ratings or reviews

Steer clear of sketchy knockoff chargers making dubious claims. Only buy from reputable brands and sellers to get a legit charger that will actually last.

Stick to name brands like Fitbit and Anker that have a track record of quality and happy customers. It’s well worth a few extra dollars for a cable you can count on.

Now let’s highlight some of the top Alta chargers on the market.

5 Top-Rated Replacement Chargers

Here are 5 top options from Fitbit and reliable third-party brands:

1. Fitbit Alta Charger

• Price: $29.99
• Warranty: 1 year
• Benefits: Guaranteed compatibility and quality direct from Fitbit

2. Anker Charging Cable

• Price: $19.99
• Warranty: 18 months
• Benefits: Anker is a trusted brand and the top third-party Fitbit accessory maker

3. SoloQ Replacement Charging Cable

• Price: $9.95
• Warranty: Lifetime replacement guarantee
• Benefits: Quality cable at budget-friendly price point

4. AmPlus Charger

• Price: $7.99
• Warranty: 45-day money back guarantee
• Benefits: Ultra-affordable option from established company

5. Bbefit Replacement Charger

• Price: $12.99
• Warranty: 1 year
• Benefits: Lengthier warranty coverage for peace of mind

As you can see, you’ve got solid choices at every price point for an Alta replacement charger.

Next, let’s answer some common questions about Alta chargers.

FAQs

Q: How long does the Alta battery last?

A: The Alta has a battery life of around 5 days on a single charge. Light usage can extend it a bit longer.

Q: How frequently should I charge my Alta?

A: For optimal performance, aim to charge your Alta every 5-6 days at minimum. Avoid letting the battery fully drain.

Q: How long does it take to fully charge an Alta?

A: A full Alta charge takes 1-2 hours. Charging for even just 20 minutes can add 24+ hours of battery life.

Q: Can I use a charger from another Fitbit model?

A: No, the Alta requires its own proprietary charging cable. Cables for other models like the Charge won’t connect properly.

Q: Can I use a third-party USB cable to charge?

A: Unfortunately no. The Alta can only charge via its unique charging cradle. A normal USB cable won’t work.

In Summary

Finding the right replacement charger is key to keeping your Fitbit Alta powered up. Make sure to choose an authentic cable from Fitbit or reputable third parties like Anker. Look for indicators of quality like solid construction, warranty coverage, and positive reviews. Avoid knockoff chargers that seem too good to be true.

To ensure your Fitbit Alta charger maintains optimal functionality for years, invest in the right one, and don’t forget to keep the charging port of your phone clean by following the cable tips provided above.